Goffstown middle school report released

By KATHY REMILLARDUnion Leader Correspondent

GOFFSTOWN - Don't overlook "the wisdom of children," a newly released report on Mountain View Middle School urges.

"Throughout this study we were continuously impressed with the insight, hope and passion of the students," the consultant Learning Innovations at WestEd's report read. "What is also important to point out is that out of all the groups, the students were the most positive. They were the quickest to forgive. And interestingly, they focused on identifying practices or situations where they hoped for change or improvement."

The study - done to address concerns about academics, climate and culture at the school of 890 students from Goffstown, Dunbarton and New Boston - was released to the School Board Monday and is expected to be posted on the district's website today.

Teachers, parents, staffers and students weighed in. Students expressed concern over misbehavior by other students, including bullying, inconsistency in enforcing rules, a lack of activities that encourage school pride, and lunch.

Other student concerns surrounded instruction and rigor, and the school building, notably dirty bathrooms with broken fixtures and graffiti.

The 116-page report cost $35,500. The Woburn, Mass., consultant was hired last September after Mountain View came under fire for allegations of a poor culture and climate, teacher dissatisfaction and lack of academic rigor.